Leadership Augusta

We were proud to celebrate the Adult Class of 2026 and the recipients of our alumni awards at Celebration of Leadership, held at Edgar's Above Broad. The Service Award was presented to Lauren Dallas and the Leadership Award was awarded to Dr. Jackson Drumgoole II. Leadership Augusta Board of Director's Chair, Ashley Strong-Green, presented Chair Awards to Kate Channell and Stephen King.

A special thank you to our Special Events Partner, Augusta University.

Photo credit for capturing these special moments goes to lovely Rhian Swain with Redwolf Photography

Update: registration closed as of 4pm Friday.
Alumni, don't forget to register for this new class day!
🎟️ Register your event ticket here: https://www.leadershipaugustaga.com/events/community-development-da

🎨🎶 Leadership Augusta Class of 2026 recently immersed themselves in Arts & Culture Day!

Led by Day Chair Gary Dennis, Executive Director of Jessye Norman School of the Arts, participants experienced firsthand how the arts enrich education, strengthen communities, and drive economic impact throughout Augusta.

The day’s journey included:
✨ Conversations and tour at the Morris Museum with John McBrayer (Curator of Education) and Kevin Grogan (Director and Curator)
🎭 Creative collaboration, choreography, and rehearsal activities with JNSA team including Denise Heard, Jennifer Munson, Carmen Moses, Graham Gooden, and Damian Green
🏫 A special performance put on by the Class of 2026 for 3rd grade students at Lamar-Milledge Elementary School
🎵 Visits to Grantski’s Records and Westobou Gallery
🖼️ Insightful discussions with leaders from Westobou and the Greater Augusta Arts The Greater Augusta Arts Council

A heartfelt thank you to our Day Sponsor, Security Federal Bank , for supporting this impactful experience, and to the day’s Transportation Sponsor, Jessye Norman School of the Arts for transporting class members to each destination throughout the day.

From visual art to music and performance, the Class of 2026 explored the rhythm of Augusta’s creative spirit and the importance of supporting arts and culture in our community.

🚔⚖️ The Leadership Augusta Class of 2026 recently stepped behind the scenes of Augusta’s public safety and justice systems during an impactful Public Safety & Criminal Justice Day, chaired by Alexia Payne Davis.

The day began at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center with breakfast sponsored by Sheriff Brantley, followed by a tour led by Major Chester Huffman that offered class members a first-hand look into the realities and responsibilities within the detention system. Throughout the day, participants heard directly from prosecutors, defenders, judges, investigators, and community advocates — gaining a broader understanding of how the many parts of the justice system work together in service of Augusta.

Highlights included:
• Touring the detention center with Major Chester Huffman
• Hearing from speakers Deputy Chief Assistant DA Falin Syms and Chief Assistant DA Kevin Davis, Kari Viola Brooke and Chief Judge Tianna Bias
• A leadership moment with H. Lee Prescott Jr. and a tour of the Public Defender’s Office
• A Criminal Investigations Division tour led by Investigator Sergeant Shawn Newsome
• Closing remarks and insight from Coroner Mark Bowen

Thank you to all of the speakers, hosts, and organizations who made this meaningful experience possible and helped our class better understand the complex, interconnected work of public safety and justice in Augusta.

🎓 Two Celebrations. One Leadership Legacy. 🎉

We’re excited to celebrate both the graduating classes of Leadership Augusta and Youth Leadership Augusta! Alumni are warmly invited to attend and celebrate alongside our graduates as we honor the next generation of changemakers and community leaders. Space is limited, so don’t forget to register your tickets soon!

🏆YLA Class of 2026, May 15th graduation tickets:
https://www.leadershipaugustaga.com/events/yla--2026-graduation

🥂Adult Class of 2026, May 21st Celebration of Leadership:
https://www.leadershipaugustaga.com/events/2026-celebration-of-leadership

What a fantastic Leadership Augusta Alumni Lunch & Learn! 👏
We were thrilled to welcome 18 alumni spanning class years from 2016 to 2026 for an engaging and impactful session with Dr. Katrina Hutchins, Founder & President of Re-Source Solutions. Together, attendees experienced an interactive, transformative journey—exploring strategies for leading effectively through change and uncertainty. 💡

Great conversation, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to growth—plus lunch made it even better!

A special shoutout to the Class of 2025 for showing up strong as our most represented group! 🎉

Join us in shaping the future of Leadership Augusta. Board nominations are open.

Nominations can be made at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13nCjj9QRLnXwRkfY6S61jx5L7nSEsICQ8FJEHHrEXqo/edit?usp=drivesdk

We need your help to recognize fellow graduates who have made significant contributions to our community by nominating them for our prestigious annual awards. The nomination deadline is April 27th.

Award Categories:
🤝Service Award
🌟Leadership Award
🏆Ruth B. Crawford Achievement Award

To submit a nomination, please complete the appropriate form and email it to Miranda Ewing, Leadership Augusta Coordinator, at [email protected]. For more information and to access nomination forms, visit our Annual Awards page at www.leadershipaugustaga.com/annual-awards.

Let's honor those who exemplify leadership and service in our community!

Youth Leadership Augusta is proud to announce Alexis Williams and Doressa Hawes will serve as Co-Chairs for the YLA Class of 2027!

🌟 Alexis Williams, MPH (Class of 2026) – Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, Alexis leads impactful public health education, outreach, and community engagement initiatives across multiple regions. With over a decade of experience, she is a strategic leader dedicated to advancing health equity, strengthening caregiver support, and improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by dementia. An author and recognized advocate, Alexis brings passion and leadership to champion brain health and empower communities through education and prevention.

🌟 Doressa Hawes (Class of 2026) –Director of Corporate Partnerships & Volunteerism at Golden Harvest Food Bank, Doressa leads strategic initiatives to build impactful partnerships and mobilize volunteers in the fight against hunger. With a strong background in relationship building, fundraising, and program management, she is a collaborative leader who aligns corporate giving with meaningful community impact. A seasoned executive and dedicated community leader, Doressa brings decades of experience and service to boards, organizations, and initiatives that strengthen the region.

Applications are OPEN for Youth Leadership Augusta’s Class of 2027! Designed for rising juniors and seniors, this program cultivates young leaders through immersive educational experiences, leadership training, and community engagement.

⏳ Deadline to apply: April 17th!
📍 Learn more & apply today: leadershipaugustaga.com/youth-applications

Join us in welcoming Alexis and Doressa to their new leadership roles!

☘️ Wishing you good fortune in all your endeavors!

Alumni, come join us for an interactive, transformative journey as we delve into strategies for effective leadership in the face of change, uncertainty, and feel down on your luck. Together, we’ll uncover practical tools and insights designed to elevate your leadership skills, empowering you to navigate challenges with unwavering confidence! Lunch provided.

Registration ends March 23rd. Space is limited!
https://www.leadershipaugustaga.com/events/alumni-lunch-and-learn-with-dr-katrina-hutchins